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How to Produce an Openwork Rose-Shaped Pendant: Manufacturing Process & Cost Breakdown

Posted on by kingjy

How to Produce an Openwork Rose-Shaped Pendant: Manufacturing Process & Cost Breakdown

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Openwork Jewelry

  2. Designing the Rose-Shaped Pendant

  3. Materials Selection

  4. Manufacturing Methods

    • 4.1 CNC Machining

    • 4.2 Laser Cutting

    • 4.3 Casting (Lost-Wax & 3D Printing)

    • 4.4 Hand Fabrication

  5. Step-by-Step Production Process

  6. Finishing & Plating Options

  7. Quality Control & Testing

  8. Cost Breakdown (Materials, Labor, MOQ Impact)

  9. Choosing Between OEM & ODM Production

  10. Top Manufacturers for Openwork Rose Pendants

  11. Case Study: Sample Production Run

  12. Conclusion & Recommendations

1. Introduction to Openwork Jewelry

Openwork (or filigree) jewelry features intricate cut-out designs, making it lightweight yet visually striking. A rose-shaped pendant in this style requires precision manufacturing, typically using:
✔ CNC machining (for sharp, clean edges)
✔ Laser cutting (for delicate patterns)
✔ Investment casting (for organic shapes)

This guide covers how to produce an openwork rose pendant and analyzes cost factors based on materials, labor, and order quantity.

2. Designing the Rose-Shaped Pendant

Key Design Considerations

  • Pattern Complexity (more details = higher cost)

  • Size & Thickness (affects material usage)

  • Attachment Method (bail, jump ring, or integrated chain)

Software Used

  • CAD (Rhino, Matrix, ZBrush) for 3D modeling

  • Vector (Adobe Illustrator) for laser-cut designs

Example Design Specs:

  • Diameter: 25mm

  • Thickness: 1.2mm

  • Material: 925 Sterling Silver

3. Materials Selection

Material Pros Cons Best For
925 Sterling Silver Premium finish, tarnish-resistant Higher cost High-end jewelry
Brass (Gold-Plated) Affordable, versatile May tarnish over time Fashion jewelry
Stainless Steel Durable, hypoallergenic Harder to cut finely Minimalist designs

4. Manufacturing Methods

4.1 CNC Machining

  • Process: A computer-controlled router cuts the design from a metal sheet.

  • Best For: Precise geometric patterns.

  • Cost: $8–$20 per unit (MOQ 50+)

4.2 Laser Cutting

  • Process: A laser burns through metal to create intricate designs.

  • Best For: Ultra-fine details (e.g., petal textures).

  • Cost: $5–$15 per unit (MOQ 100+)

4.3 Casting (Lost-Wax & 3D Printing)

  • Process: Wax model → Plaster mold → Molten metal casting.

  • Best For: Organic, curved rose shapes.

  • Cost: $10–$30 per unit (MOQ 20+)

4.4 Hand Fabrication

  • Process: Artisans cut and solder metal wires.

  • Best For: Custom one-of-a-kind pieces.

  • Cost: $50–$200 per unit (Labor-intensive)

5. Step-by-Step Production Process

Step 1: CAD Design & Prototyping

  • Create a 3D model of the rose pendant.

  • Test print in wax or resin before metal production.

Step 2: Metal Cutting/Forming

  • CNC/laser cuts the design from a sterling silver sheet.

  • If casting, inject molten silver into a mold.

Step 3: Cleaning & Polishing

  • Remove burrs with ultrasonic cleaning.

  • Polish to a mirror or matte finish.

Step 4: Plating (Optional)

  • Gold/Rhodium plating for extra shine.

  • Antique oxidation for vintage effects.

Step 5: Quality Inspection

  • Check for defects, weight, and dimensions.

  • Test plating durability (salt spray test).

6. Finishing & Plating Options

Finish Effect Cost Addition
High Polish Mirror-like shine +$1–$3
Matte/Satin Soft, non-reflective +$2–$5
Gold Plating Luxe rose gold/yellow gold +$3–$10
Oxidized Darkened vintage look +$4–$8

7. Quality Control & Testing

  • Dimensional Accuracy (caliper measurement)

  • Plating Adhesion Test (tape peel test)

  • Tarnish Resistance (humidity chamber)

8. Cost Breakdown

A. Material Costs

Material Cost per Unit
925 Silver (25mm) $6–$15
Brass (Gold-Plated) $3–$8
Stainless Steel $4–$10

B. Labor & Production Costs

Method Cost per Unit
CNC Machining $8–$20
Laser Cutting $5–$15
Casting $10–$30
Handmade $50–$200

C. MOQ Impact on Pricing

Order Quantity Price per Unit
1–50 pcs $25–$80
50–200 pcs $15–$40
200–1000 pcs $8–$25
1000+ pcs $5–$15

Total Estimated Cost Range:

  • Mass Production (1000+): $10–$25/unit

  • Small Batch (50–100): $20–$50/unit

  • Custom Handmade: $80–$300/unit

9. OEM vs. ODM Production

  • OEM: You provide the design; factory produces it.

  • ODM: Factory designs & manufactures for you.

Best Choice?

  • Startups → ODM (lower design cost)

  • Established brands → OEM (full customization)

10. Top Manufacturers

  1. China: Low-cost, high-volume (MOQ 500+)

  2. Thailand: Handcrafted excellence (MOQ 50+)

  3. Italy: Luxury craftsmanship (MOQ 10+)

11. Case Study: 500-Unit Production Run

  • Design: Laser-cut sterling silver rose pendant

  • Manufacturer: Guangdong Jewelry Co. (China)

  • Cost: $12/unit ($6,000 total)

  • Timeline: 25 days (including shipping)

12. Conclusion & Recommendations

  • Best for Budget: Laser-cut brass (gold-plated)

  • Best for Luxury: CNC-milled 925 silver

  • Best for Small Batches: Casting + hand-finishing

Next Steps:

  1. Finalize CAD design (or use ODM catalogs).

  2. Request quotes from 3–5 manufacturers.

  3. Order samples before full production.